I got issues... help me out!

[copmagnet82]

Updates: see posts #25 and #39

I’m in the market for a family sedan, so I’ll most likely be getting an M3. Here are some things that are going through my head now and I need some directions. I know some of the things may sound crazy to people, but I think I may have a serious OCD issue going, that I can’t control. So, here it comes.

1. The cluster – the way the cluster is done annoys me beyond believe. It is the only one thing that bugs me about the M3 and is stopping me from getting one now; the fact it’s only under the tachometer and does not fully extend to the speedometer side, like on the M5. That’s all I can see when I’m inside the car; that bright LCD extension. I know it may seem crazy to most people, but I can’t believe how much of an annoyance it is to me. I’m still waiting for the weather in Chicago to get nicer to test drive the car during daytime and nighttime to see how much it’ll bug me when driving. Part of me wants to just get the car and be done with it, but the other part of me is telling me that I won’t be 100% happy with it, because of the cluster. Another option, that’s sort of not an option, but could be, is waiting for a new M3 in 2021/22, but that’s not for another 5 years from now, so I’m not sure if I’ll be able to wait that long, plus at that time my wife will be due for an upgrade and we don’t want to have 2 car payments. Also, with all of the unknowns for the new model, I’m afraid that it may not come with manual transmission or that they may make it an eDrive car, which I don’t want. Buying a car now and replacing it in 5 years is not an option, so whatever I get I’m stuck with it for the next 10 years.

2. Color – I really like the Austin Yellow, but I don’t know how I’m going to feel about it in 10 years. Some of my friends are telling me, that I’m going to look like an idiot at 45 with a mustard colored car and that I may not be able to live with it for 10 years. At the same time, I want something unique to the M3. My only other option is either of the whites, but the wife hates white cars, although she’s okay with it if I really want the white. My only concern is potentially fading of the white over time. Another option is waiting for 2017 and 2018 colors.

3. ’17 vs ’18 – I won’t be buying the car for another 12 months, at that time I’ll be so close to 2018 model, that I’m wondering if I should just wait till then, or just do it at the end of the year, and call it a day.

4. Executive package – the only thing I really need from there is the rear view camera. I could possibly see some use with the HUD, but don’t need the rest of the stuff, so still debating on that.

5. Adaptive suspension – it’ll be my daily, already have a track car. I already read all the suspension threads and I still can’t decide. Not having the middle button will annoy me. I may possibly lower the car, but not more than 1”. Again, I can go either way with fixed vs adaptive suspension.

So, those are my issues, with the biggest one being the cluster. Obviously the other ones are irrelevant if I don’t get the car because of the stupid cluster, but I figured I’ll ask for help in regards to all the “issues” I got with the car.

So, what is your take on all of this?

[M3Bimmer77]

If I was you ...I wouldn't get one. Just by reading the first sentence of the first point makes me wonder that you are not going to be happy with an M3. Unless you are thinking about installing a new cluster which I wouldn't go that way but thanks god I'm not in the market.

Now ....Yellow!!!! Really!!!! You are crazy. Some of the BMW colors are just too much for a DD.

My 2 cents

[copmagnet82]

Originally Posted by M3Bimmer77

Unless you are thinking about installing a new cluster which I wouldn't go that way but thanks god I'm not in the market.

I've been actually doing some research on retrofits...

[alz0rz]

2017 model year starts in July-August 2016.

For $1K you cannot regret getting the Adaptive M suspension, whether you replace it or not later on down the line.

[copmagnet82]

You're right, I meant MY18, I need to edit my original post. Thanks.

[ShocknAwe]

If you get one you'll want to stay far far away from adaptive suspension. Might be nice, until it breaks and takes your wallet with it. Nevermind that it makes suspension mods basically impossible.

You're right, the cluster sucks.

Austin Yellow sucks too. So does whatever puke green BMW seems to be so fond of. Big fan however of Interlagos Blue, Kyalami Orange, Dakar Yellow, and Imola Red.

[m630]

With your professed OCD you are definitely overthinking this and it's way to early to talk a year or more out in your case, you'll like go mad by then. In terms of colors, there are indi options to be a bit more unique without having to go yellow. It's nice but an acquired taste, TB is beautiful and unique if you like blues, well worth the price. You are missing your OCD solution though because you may not understand m-view HUD. Once you have an experience with M-HUD you will realize that you will never look at the cluster gauge again, it's just not something that is needed much in reality. The M-view gives you all the necessary info without ever needing to take your eyes off the road, so it's a safety control too. I can't fathom what is bothering you about the cluster tbh but that's your issue to deal with, it an M3 and about the drive, the engine and the transmission, not the cluster! But honestly I never need to look down at the cluster with HUD and m-view and it's certainly something you should add to your equation on solving that riddle you have, it's like being in a fighter plane, eyes up and in focus for the road ahead. Relax and look ahead

[Awenthomas]

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Thanks!!

[Blksnowflake]

Originally Posted by ShocknAwe

If you get one you'll want to stay far far away from adaptive suspension. Might be nice, until it breaks and takes your wallet with it. Nevermind that it makes suspension mods basically impossible.

This comment makes no sense. It's even almost a lie.

[SakhirM4]

This car is not for you. Just move on.

[STOOF]

Get a 5 series.

[chillindrdude]

There's no such thing as the perfect car. If you are being nitpicky (somewhat insanely IMHO) about the cluster, that should speak volumes about the other things BMW has gotten right in the F8x.

fWiw, With the HUD in M-view, I almost never look at my cluster.

And...you are posing this question to us when you are at least 12months out from even seriously shopping seems alittle bit nutty. A lot can happen in 12months. Both with new models and model facelifts. Not to mention, your personal and financial situation.

[Arcades]

I don't believe this car is right for you and I have several reasons actually.

First and foremost, you get a M or AMG or a Porsche because you love performance cars, not because you love to drive people around and look cool, although honestly that is something very mischievous to do and fun. (I'm looking at you Lups )

All of your OCD issues aren't really OCD to me, it's more of a personal aesthetics choice not how BMW has designed the way their interiors look. Your issues with interior of the BMWs is strictly how you prefer to see things, not OCD. I happen to have OCD and that isn't OCD issue to me. Ask anyone that know me in person will tell you how bad my OCD is, that isn't an OCD issue, that's a personal aesthetics and design choice.

Adaptive Suspension is very handy, but not necessary if you are able to handle being able to feel the road more.

Executive Package includes HUD and BMW's HUD is one of the best designed HUDs out there right now. It's extremely convenient to a point where I wished the M2 had it.

Lastly, I noticed all of your previous cars happens to be Japanese. Acuras and Hondas are very different from a BMW, Benz and Audi. So your issues with interiors are all of your previous cars influenced you, it isn't BMW's issue. I happen to love BMW's simplistic interior, M3/M4 w/ Full Leather looks absolutely amazing, something BMW should do more damn often. Honestly I don't believe a F80 is technically for you, especially if the none essential things bother you this much. Again, I do not believe it's an OCD issue on your part, is all of your previous cars. Since 04 you have had nothing but Honda's and Acura's, especially since they were multiple cars.

Edit: Also, it is far too early to tell if there will be a difference between a 17' and 18'. BMW don't say about what they will do, it is WAYYYY too early.

[ShocknAwe]

Originally Posted by Blksnowflake

This comment makes no sense. It's even almost a lie.

If you were capable of determining it wasn't a lie, then it certainly made sense, and you have been reduced to blubbering over it. Thanks for stopping in.

[dmk08]

Originally Posted by alz0rz

2017 model year starts in July-August 2016.

For $1K you cannot regret getting the Adaptive M suspension, whether you replace it or not later on down the line.

I regret getting it as I swapped to KW V3 and I will not be ordering it on my replacement 2017.

[RobbyMack]

Wow 12 or more month out and this stuff is keeping you up at night? My solution: three or four fingers of scotch and don't come back here until you're ready to pull the trigger. Otherwise you'll just drive yourself batty.

[mephiska]

Originally Posted by copmagnet82

I’m in the market for a family sedan

Originally Posted by copmagnet82

wife

Originally Posted by copmagnet82

5. Adaptive suspension – it’ll be my daily, already have a track car. I already read all the suspension threads and I still can’t decide. Not having the middle button will annoy me. I may possibly lower the car, but not more than 1”. Again, I can go either way with fixed vs adaptive suspension.

Get the adaptive, it's fantastic. Keeps the car very docile as a daily driver, and your wife (and kids?) will appreciate it as well. And get the 18" wheels too, not the 19's, for a more comfortable ride. Many of the lowering spring kits are compatible with the adaptive suspension as well, contrary to what the other guy said. He's just plain wrong. Adaptive M is a very popular option and the aftermarket caters to it quite readily. The passive suspension is between sport and sport+ in firmness so it might be too rough for a daily driver.

Originally Posted by copmagnet82

I want something unique to the M3.

So get Yas Marina.

[04cobra]

I love my passive + 18's. No regrets on that decision

[nicknaz]

You are WAYYY over thinking it OP.

If you don't like the gauges or anything else about the car, don't buy the car

[SakhirM4]

Originally Posted by mephiska

Get the adaptive, it's fantastic. Keeps the car very docile as a daily driver, and your wife (and kids?) will appreciate it as well. And get the 18" wheels too, not the 19's, for a more comfortable ride. Many of the lowering spring kits are compatible with the adaptive suspension as well, contrary to what the other guy said. He's just plain wrong. Adaptive M is a very popular option and the aftermarket caters to it quite readily. The passive suspension is between sport and sport+ in firmness so it might be too rough for a daily driver.

So get Yas Marina.

I have passive and 19". Very happy with it as a DD.

[BuzzE46]

if your having thoughts about this then the car isn't for you, drive it and then you will know. don't just do it just to do it. if you want to keep it long term,

cars are like girlfriends you test drive them until you find the right one that has all the balance and things suitable for you and keep the car for as long as you want. literally

[brianeck]

Originally Posted by SakhirM4

I have passive and 19". Very happy with it as a DD.

You live in Texas where its effectively "nice" and "really nice" year round. OP lives in Chicago where the weather and the roads are "relatively nice" for 3 months, "relatively crappy" for 4 months, and "utter crap" for another 5. OP, don't listen to the fair weather/road comments and get the adaptive, especially on a DD/family car if you expect to use it beyond the fleeting summer months. Also, get snow tires and make sure you pick out a set of winter wheels that your OCD and your wife agree with.

OR: don't get the car because you don't like the gauges (even saying this actually makes me almost laugh out loud).